TV-Series
Description
Himeko Momokino is a student at the academy where the story takes place, serving as the student council vice-president. Her background is closely tied to her family’s status; she comes from an upper-class upbringing and carries herself with the poise and refined manners expected of a young lady. She has known the student council president, Mei Aihara, for over ten years, establishing herself not only as her most loyal school aide but also as her childhood friend. In her private life away from school, she indulges in a taste for luxury, preferring to wear extravagant Gothic Lolita-style dresses, and she also owns a small pet dog named Pucchi.

In terms of appearance, Himeko is recognizable for her distinctive hairstyle: her hair is styled into two short, tightly curled twin ringlets, which she takes pride in as being naturally curly. Her eyes are a notable feature, portrayed as magenta in the source material and dark purple in the anime adaptation. At school, she maintains a neat and proper uniform, a visual representation of her strict adherence to rules. Outside the academy, however, her wardrobe shifts dramatically to the frills and elaborate designs of Gothic Lolita fashion, an aesthetic preference that contrasts with her rigid personality.

Himeko’s personality is defined by a strong and authoritative demeanor. She is strict about school regulations and shows open disdain for those who flout them, frequently disapproving of the behavior of students like Yuzu Aihara and Harumi Taniguchi. She has a stubborn and stuck-up side, often speaking in the refined, formal tone of a high-class lady, yet she is also deeply devoted to the people she cares about, particularly Mei. Despite her outward composure, she is inwardly sensitive, prone to jealousy, and extremely protective of her relationship with Mei. This protectiveness often manifests as a rivalry with Yuzu, whom she sees as a threat to both the school’s discipline and her emotional bond with the president. While she appears possessive and sometimes antagonistic, her actions are generally rooted in a genuine concern for Mei’s happiness.

Her primary motivation throughout the narrative is her long-standing devotion to Mei Aihara. Having been by Mei’s side for over a decade, she considers herself Mei’s closest friend and feels a deep sense of ownership over that role. The sudden appearance of Yuzu, who becomes Mei’s stepsister and begins forming a close bond with her, disrupts the status quo that Himeko cherished. She is driven by a desire to protect Mei from being hurt and to maintain her own position as the most important person in Mei’s life. Over time, however, her motivations evolve from pure rivalry to a more selfless support, as she ultimately comes to prioritize Mei’s happiness over her own wishes.

In the story, Himeko serves as both an antagonist and a foil to the protagonist, Yuzu Aihara. As the student council vice-president, she operates alongside Mei, helping to enforce the school’s strict codes of conduct, which puts her in direct opposition to Yuzu’s impulsive and rule-breaking nature. She is often the character who vocalizes the disapproval that other students might feel regarding Yuzu’s disruptive presence. Himeko also functions as a key witness to the developing relationship between Yuzu and Mei, and her jealousy frequently creates obstacles and emotional tension that the main couple must navigate. Despite her initial role as a barrier, she later becomes an ally who, while still complaining about Yuzu's behavior, begrudgingly accepts her relationship with Mei and even offers her support during difficult times.

The key relationships in Himeko’s life revolve around her interactions with the main cast. Her connection with Mei Aihara is the most significant. Starting as childhood friends who were once very close, their relationship becomes strained when Mei begins to distance herself after her father leaves, eventually seeing Himeko more as a nuisance than a friend. Himeko’s feelings for Mei are strongly implied to be romantic, and she becomes fiercely possessive and jealous of Yuzu’s intrusion into their lives. Despite this, she accepts Yuzu as Mei’s partner because her primary desire is for Mei to be happy, and she eventually helps to encourage Mei in her relationship. Her relationship with Yuzu Aihara is complex. Begins as a clear rivalry where Himeko views Yuzu as a disruptive enemy and a competitor for Mei’s affection, leading to frequent verbal sparring and intense jealousy. Over the course of the series, this rivalry softens; though she remains annoyed by Yuzu’s lack of respect for rules, she becomes less antagonistic and shows concern for Yuzu’s well-being, even helping her to cancel Mei’s arranged marriage and accepting her as Mei’s lover. With Harumi Taniguchi, Himeko initially disapproves of her attitude, similar to Yuzu. However, Harumi enjoys teasing Himeko, and as the series progresses, their relationship warms into a form of friendship.

Throughout the series, Himeko shows notable development. She begins as a seemingly one-dimensional antagonist driven purely by jealousy and possessiveness. However, as the story unfolds, she demonstrates a capacity for growth and selflessness. A pivotal moment in her development is learning to accept Yuzu not just as a rival but as someone who genuinely makes Mei happy. Despite her personal feelings, she ultimately prioritizes Mei’s emotional well-being, stepping back from her own romantic aspirations to offer genuine support to the couple. While she never fully sheds her strict personality or her annoyance with Yuzu’s antics, she evolves from a love rival into a reliable ally who wishes for Mei’s happiness above all else.

Regarding her abilities, Himeko is a highly capable individual. As the student council vice-president, she possesses strong organizational skills and leadership qualities, handling student council affairs with an efficiency that rivals even Mei herself. She is also noted for her keen powers of observation, particularly when it comes to interpersonal relationships; she is skilled at noticing changes in people’s behavior, especially Yuzu’s. Perhaps her most distinctive ability is her extreme dedication and mobility; she has been known to follow Mei to keep track of her, demonstrating a relentless determination rarely seen in other supporting characters.
Cast